The morning sun filtered gently through the bedroom curtains. Veeresh slept soundly, Aarav snuggled against his chest, while Anaya lay beside Poornima, her small hand entwined with hers.

Aarav stirred and planted a soft kiss on his father’s cheek. Veeresh’s lips curved into a rare, warm smile. Anaya, feeling playful, wrapped her arms tightly around Poornima and whispered a cheerful hug.

Meanwhile, Aarav began pinching Veeresh’s cheeks lightly. Veeresh chuckled, deep and resonant.

“Champ, don’t pull! Appa will wake up!”

Aarav’s tiny face lit up with a mischievous smile, and Poornima watched the scene with laughter in her eyes.

“Good morning, Mama,” Anaya said sweetly. Poornima leaned down and kissed her cheek, her heart swelling with love.

Aarav babbled, pointing at Veeresh.

“Appa!”

Veeresh grinned and encouraged him. “Say it again, my boy! Appa!” He kissed Aarav gently on the forehead. Then he looked at Poornima, smiling. “See, he said Appa!”

Aarav clapped his hands and added, “Amma too!”

All four of them laughed together in the warm morning light. Veeresh leaned down and pecked Poornima on the lips lightly.

“I can’t kiss you properly in front of the kids,” he murmured, winking. “I’ll take my share later.”

Poornima smirked, nudging him playfully.

“Shameless,” she whispered.

Veeresh winked at her again, a glint of mischief and love in his eyes. The morning was theirs—messy, warm, full of laughter, and brimming with the quiet certainty of family.